On threats of war
Over the past two days, threats of war have been made by a certain individual misleading our people regarding the true intentions and aspirations of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). As a former Chairman of the MNLF duly elected by the MNLF Central Committee, may I make the following clarifications:
1. We respect and adhere to the provisions of the 1996 Peace Agreement which was signed by and between the Government of Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) as witnessed by the Republic of Indonesia and the Organization of Islamic Conference Secretary General;
2. While federalism may be a solution to the Bangsamoro issue, The 1996 FPA does not provide for it but merely for meaningful autonomy and the integration of our fighters to the AFP. Our quest for meaningful autonomy can be realized thru fully implemented peace agreements such as the 1996 FPA and the 2014 CAB.
3. We likewise support the recommendations made by the Tripartite Review Panel composed of the GRP, the MNLF and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) most specifically the convergence of all Moro Fronts and other Bangsamoro organizations and peoples to support all efforts to achieve lasting Peace in Mindanao through the enactment of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) which was sponsored by Congressmen and women of Mindanao specially Bai Sandra Sema, and recently approved by His Excellency President Rodrigo R Duterte.
4. Upon consultation with the MNLF Central Committee, we, the members of the MNLF Central Committee, and its entire hierarchy and membership hereby commit ourselves to pursue the path of lasting PEACE by standing behind the duly constituted authority of our country led by His Excellency President Rodrigo R. Duterte, as a means of achieving our aspiration for the best quality of life for our people.
5. Finally, the root causes of Moro secession is being addressed thru RA 11054 or the BOL, and now the BTA and BARMM. There is no valid reason to make threats of war, veiled or otherwise. War is not a child’s play and already considered uncivilized. Our people has been through to so much of violence and displacement. It is time we truly give them not only peace of mind but more importantly the chance to rebuild their lives and enjoy the dividends of peace.